THE GOLD AND SIL VER FISH OF NOB WA Y. 307 



For beauty of coloring, irrespective of shape and other 

 repulsive peculiarities, we may mention the Chimoera^ or 

 Rabbit-fish, an animal little known, as it frequents the deep 

 recesses of the ocean, and is only an occasional visitant of 

 our coasts. In Norway, however, it is more common, and 

 receives the name of "gold and silver fish," from the 

 resplendent colors which form the ground of the body, set 

 off by dark spots. It is also called by the Norwegians the 

 '' sea-rat," from the, form of the tail, and " king-fish," from a 

 thready filament, terminating in a tuft, which is found on 

 the head of the male. The colors are very beautiful: the 

 upper parts dark brown, varied with yellowish-brown 

 and silvery; the lower parts bright silver; the eyes large, 

 green, and brilliantly lustrous, so much so, that the Medi- 

 terranean fishermen called this fish the " cat." The form of 

 the fish does not correspond with the vivid colors we have 

 mentioned, the repulsive shape of the head, and the rat-like 

 tail, giving it an appearance somewhat allied to sea- 

 monsters. 



In concluding these brief notices of a few out of the mul- 

 titude of beautiful fishes which give a charm and lovliness 

 to the element in which they live, we w^ould have the 

 reader remember that these works of a beneficent Creator 

 are intended to raise our thoughts in reverent admiration 

 to that Holy Being, who made all things for our comfort and 

 delight : 



' *' The inhabitant of the waters, generally speaking, knows 

 no attachments, has no language, no affections; feelings of 

 conjugality or paternity are not acknowledged by him; 

 ignorant of the art of constructing an asylum, in danger he 

 seeks shelter beneath the rocks or in the darkness of the 

 deep ; his life is silent and monotonous. The cravings of 

 Toracity alone influence his instinct sufficiently to teach him 

 some kind of obedience in his movements to external signs. 

 Although so small a share of enjoyment and intelligence is 



